Huyong Fireboat was eliminated early! ESPN randomly simulates NBA Cup: Trail Blazers lose to Celtics in finals

Basketball 8:27pm, 14 October 2025

). An unexpected final was staged in Las Vegas - the Celtics met the Trail Blazers where former player Jrue Holiday was on the road. Although core player Tatum was absent due to injury, the Boston team still achieved a record of 16 wins and 10 losses at the start, winning the top seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. They first defeated the Pistons at home and then eliminated the Heat in the semifinals in Las Vegas.

The Trail Blazers, who also scored 16 wins and 10 losses at the beginning of the season, seized the opportunity. After the Thunder was upset by the Timberwolves at home, this dark pony team (the Trail Blazers) first defeated the Grizzlies on the road, and then defeated the Timberwolves in the semifinals.

However, the Trail Blazers' promotion journey ended with a 115-103 defeat. In this campaign, the Portland team made only 10 of 36 three-pointers, while the Celtics' Derrick White and Pritchard each made 4 three-pointers. This victory immediately dispelled the (Celtics) statement that the NBA Cup was called the "19th championship banner" - but it still allowed the Celtics to tie the record of the old rival Lakers in the NBA Cup (formerly: mid-season championship) (1 time, and the Bucks also 1 time).

It can be seen from this random simulation that the Lakers, Warriors, Clippers and Rockets have not advanced to the top 8 of the NBA Cup.